"How long, O Lord? Will You be angry forever? Will Your jealousy burn like fire?” (v.5)
This psalm written by Asaph, displays his overwhelming grief for the destruction of Jerusalem (vv.1-4). Speaking for the nation, the psalmist petitions the Lord God to remember His people and to avenge their enemies actions (vv. 5–7). But in the same breath, he questions the duration of God’s chastisement for their sin, “How long, Oh Lord” (v.5,) along with the severity of His judgment, “Burns like fire” (v.5).
There’s a old saying, “let the punishment fit the crime.” Some mistakes call for a “pass”, others a stern warning, while still others something more punitive that is designed to save one from serious repercussions over time. The transgressions by the Israelites called for the latter. Over and over again the children of Israel were warned of their sinful ways, to repent from their evil doings, and dwell in the land that the Lord their God had given them (Jeremiah 25:1-11). Yet, they did not listen. Therefore, the land was laid waste, and the people taken captive by the Babylonians, whom they served for 70 years.
While I'm sure we have all asked the same question at times in our lives, the following parable may help in understanding the value of long-suffering. A bar of iron, worth $1.30, when wrought into horseshoes, is worth $2.60; if made into needles, it is worth $91.00; if into pen-knife blades, it is worth $845.00; if into springs for watches, it is worth $65,000.00. Proving, the more it is manipulated, the more it is hammered and passed through the fire, and beaten, and pounded, and polished, the greater its value.
So it is with us. Those that suffer most are capable of yielding most; and it is through pain that God is getting the most out of us for his glory and the blessing of others. Therefore, forgive us Lord if sometimes we forget about Your work in our lives and ask, How long?
The Truth: "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” (2 Corinthians 4:17)
